It was thrilling to see these young heroes dancing and fellowshipping together. Under the theme “Siyakhula,” the Saturday morning subtheme was “Grow Where You Are Planted,” with the aim of teaching how these young lives can grow in Christ by looking at the life of a tree or plant.
Their imagination was taken on a gardening season tour, filled with planting, watering, and weeding—a season of growth where we see trees, plants, and flowers blossoming and even bearing fruit. A growing plant is a clear picture of how young Christians can grow in Christ. John 15:14 helped us navigate through the whole session. The session concluded with a craft activity, highlighting the three essential things that a plant needs to grow into its full potential: soil, sunlight, and water.
The second session of the day, “Be a Hero,” was guided by the “Be a Hero: Attacking GVB from the Roots” resource. The topic of bullying was intensely explored. The effects of bullying were greatly emphasized, while also equipping the young ones with skills to protect themselves should they encounter such situations. The girls and boys were challenged to go out and be heroes by standing up for what is right and becoming advocates.
The Games and Creative Arts Mini Festival was the session that everyone anticipated! They all engaged in games, learning about the importance of teamwork and cheering for one another as they competed in groups. The JS expressed themselves through dance, songs, timbrels, and spoken word. It was encouraging to witness so much pure talent.
Sunday morning took us back to our spiritual garden tour with the subtheme “Blossom and Bear Fruit.” We looked deeply into the Fruits of the Spirit, guided by Galatians 5:22-23. The theme song for the weekend, “Living Out Loud,” encouraged us to live boldly for Jesus. The JS were challenged to recognize that it is impossible to live out loud for Jesus without bearing any fruit. The fruit of the Spirit are the evidence of our growth in Christ.
It was indeed a fun and glorious weekend!